Thursday, December 24, 2009

Hello All-- Visitors, Members of the No-Star Nation, Friends, and Band-Mates;

We've had our ups and downs, it's been a wild ride, and it's not over yet! Yes people, Gregg Juke & The Mighty No-Stars are six years old (as a band... we usually act at least 7 years old emotionally and intellectually on a daily basis). Our first rehearsal together was in December of 2003! I want to thank Bruce, Joel, Bret, and of course Bill, Greg C, Guy, Paul, Adam, Harry, JJ, and our newest Mighty No-Sub, Frank, for a great six years; I'm really looking forward to many, many more making outstanding music and having the times of our lives. I want to thank all of the other cats who have come through the band in the last six years, we've learned something about music, about you, and about us through our time together. I want to offer an extra-special "thank you" to Susan, who really does work tirelessly to promote and book us, and devotes a lot of her personal time to taking care of the things (y'know, details) that flighty musicians often miss. I need to thank all of our families, for sharing your loved ones and giving of your time to make this music happen. You are on-stage with us wherever we go, and you are in the songs that we write and record, and without gettin' too corny, you are always on ourminds. We need to thank all of our friends and supporters who are continually there for us, and who have helped us through some difficult emotional times.

I'd like to thank the Blues Society of WNY for their hard-work in supporting and promoting the scene here in the Buffalo and WNY area. I'd like to thank Bob, our radio promoter, and all of the DJ's, radio stations and programs, and media outlets that have given us exposure over the last few years-- your support is critical and so very appreciated. I'd like to thank Paul at Alt-Brews, Jack Civilletto, Donna Rose, Judd Sunshine, Joanne at Queen City, and Brookes at the Double Diamond in Ellicottville for being early and strong supporters of the band. You gave us, a bunch of "no-stars," a shot, and we'll always be grateful.

I want to thank God for the gift of music, and for giving me such great, talented, and interesting people to be around.

I want to thank my parents for raising me right, and for teaching me to value music, and that I could do whatever I set my mind to.

We need to thank all of the club-owners and promoters for booking the band and working with us all of these years-- we're looking forward to many, many more.

I'd like to thank all of our corporate associates, endorsing partners, local and national music vendors, and our friends at "Drum!" magazine for your help and generous support; we look forward to a continued, mutually-beneficial relationship!

We'd like to thank our friends in other bands in the music scene, both in and out of the Blues genre for your support and the fun we've had together.

We need to thank ALL OF YOU, the members of the No-Star Nation, those of you that come out to see the band, buy CD's and digital downloads, visit the website, call radio stations and request our music, sign-up for our e-mail list, send e-mails of support and encouragement, book us for your private parties, and just generally offer us your good will. Thanks so much; it makes all of the travel and the late night drives and the hours that go into a project like this, worth it.

I'm sure I'm missing lots of people and will be editing this post for days to come, but in this moment of clarity and reflection, I just wanted to thank all of you for the ways you've impacted us and have empowered us to make real music together. Onward & Upward, and looking towards and incredible 2010...